It is appreciated that all the various assistance providers have their own eligibility criteria and rules for pledging assistance. Specific advice can be sought from Casework Support, the individual providers themselves or their guidelines.

Unless using one of our ‘recognised providers’ (where only one quote is required) ensure at least two quotes are attached to the case for household items and brown and white goods including fridge, freezers, washing machine and carpets. 

If the goods value is in excess of £10,000.00 then 3 quotes should be gained.

When almonising to core APs please refer to this matrix –It gives guidance as to the AP’s Policy on finance/grant limits and documentation requirements in relation to many areas of almonisation e.g. savings capital thresholds, funeral expenses, white/brown goods, care home top up fees etc.. The Matrix is produced by the cross charity Casework Steering Group (CSG) and reviewed yearly. 

Priority debt assistance applications should include evidence that the client has sought advice from a trained Benefits, Debt and Money Advisor (BDMA) such as Step Change or Citizens Advice and a report attached to the case. The report should state that Service charity assistance is advised.

See the Compass section on Finance

Although our restricted funds are limited, we aim to provide financial assistance, where possible, towards individual cases. However, there are times where unfortunately we will have to decline financial assistance. The most prevalent reason for the SSAFA Financial declining a request for assistance is a lack of detail in the Form A or evidence attached to the case.

Evidence must be uploaded to Mosaic prior to submitting the case to SSAFA-Financial for assistance.

 After feedback from fund providers, it is essential that the ‘Case Notes’ section on Mosaic includes as much information about the case as possible, especially when relevant attachments/documents have not been obtained due to exceptional circumstances. Include as much detail and information as you can, as this will assist all the approached fund providers in making an informed decision.

For funeral grant applications, firstly, ensure that the client has applied for the statutory funeral grant payment. You can find more information on the statutory provisions here.

Applications for mobility aids, equipment that meet the needs of a beneficiary originating from disability, injury or ill health; specialist beds or home adaptions must include an Occupational Therapy report attached to the case.

OT Practice Referral form

OT Information

If considering purchasing second-hand goods, then consideration should be given to the quality and lifespan of those goods. To that end, household electrical items and clothing should not be purchased. In all instances advice should be sought from the Welfare & Grants Team in advance of purchase.

Requests for financial assistance for training course fees must include an attached letter of a job offer on completion of the course. Without this information attached to the Form A or CMS, the Welfare & Grants Team will have to wait for a response from the other approached fund providers, before we make a decision on the case. 

Remember to check the client’s eligibility for Enhanced or Standard Learning Credits.

ABF will consider on a case by case basis.

TRBL are no longer facilitating employment grants, so managing expectation is the main thing.  It may be worth checking in with a beneficiaries Regimental Fund as to whether their charter covers employment grants.